Super chic, everyday Totes, Cross-Body, Shoulder Bags and more that’ll never go out of style. Oh – and all under $198!
The Coolest “Must-Have’ Black Bags for Fall!
Not to be annoying but seriously – a classic black bag is the one accessory that just keeps on giving. It never goes out of style, and I love that no matter what you’re wearing, throwing a great bag over your shoulder just completely makes the look!
Plus, there are so many options in terms of silhouettes, colors, and fabrics, there’s literally something for every taste and every budget. I know that looking for that perfect bag can be overwhelming but never fear! I’ve done the legwork for ya – I mean what are friends for, yes?
Anyone who knows me, knows that bags are my bag, baby! We all have our little fashion obsessions – and mine are handbags. Ok, and shoes. Shoes and handbags….. So you’re in good hands, promise 😉
I’ve picked out my absolute favorite IT bags – in black, because it’s a color that goes with everything so you’ll get a ton of use out of these. Plus – they’re all affordably priced at $198 or less. Score!
Without further adieu – here we go!
Madewell Medium Tote
$158
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:
First – so freaking cute! The perfect sized Tote for everyday effortless-ness in chic, durable pebbled leather. I love the relaxed simplicity of this style! You’ll look totally pulled together without looking like you’re trying too hard. We like that.
THE DEETS:
It has a slim, front exterior pocket, plus a zipper pocket on the inside to store phone & key FOB for easy access. It has double handles and an optional shoulder strap which I love – because it allows you to operate hands-free.
Kate Spade Medium Cross-Body
$106.80 – SALE!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:
First – who doesn’t love a bargain? This super cute, perfectly sized cross-body JUST went on sale, so if you love it – GRAB IT! I love this bag for bopping around town on weekends…. BOP. It’s large enough to fit all your essentials, yet small enough to feel light and unencumbered. Simple, streamlined and stylish. It’s a thumbs-up!
THE DEETS:
Pebbled black leather with a slim exterior front zippered pocket and interior patch pocket for extra organization. Lined in PINK! So pretty!
Transport Tote with Contrast Handles
$168
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:
Loving the contrast of the rich saddle-colored handles, against rich black leather. It gives it an extra-level of style while still maintaining a simple, clean look.
THE DEETS:
Approx 14″ High x 14″ Long, with an interior zip pocket to hold your phone, cash & ID! Textured leather makes this nice and durable. Plus it’s great for travel, everyday and to and from the office!
Kate Spade Mini Dome Cross-Body
$158
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:
Mini-Bags are ALL the rage this season, but what I don’t like about most of them – is that they are SO small, they won’t accommodate an iPhone…. I mean, WTF?? THIS particular mini-bag is 7 3/4″ long so it will accommodate most Smartphones. It fits my iPhone 8!
LOVE the feminine rounded dome silhouette, and the gold-hardware accent on the strap gives it an extra level of polished-chic. Sleek, light, compact and a great price point for pebbled leather!
THE DEETS:
Cross-body strap with leather and gold-plated chain accent. Black, pebbled leather makes the bag durable and scratch resistant. Internal pocket for a little organization.
Effortless Drawstring Leather Tote
$178
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:
I love a drawstring leather bag. They always have such a luxurious look! I especially loved the understated, timeless look of this textured black bag and it’s deceivingly roomy inside which makes it a great bag for office, travel and of course everyday if you like!
THE DEETS:
Zip interior pockets to help you stay extra organized! Shoulder straps, drawstring at the top, unlined.
Michael Kors Cross-Body & Belt-Bag in One!
$168
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:
You’re basically getting TWO Michael Kors bags in ONE….. at a great price! This “camera bag” is both a Cross-Body and a Belt-Bag, which means at $168 it’s only $84 a bag! And yes, I had to break out the Abacus for that one. Listen, I can pretty much help you justify any purchase….. what are friends for? 😉
THE DEETS:
Black pebbled leather, fringe detailed zipper (so stylish!). The cross-body strap easily converts to a belt-bag. Front exterior slim pocket, one interior pocket and credit card slots for easy access. I mean, we need AmEx easily accessible at any give moment – am I right!?
Kate Spade Mini Dome Cross-Body
$198
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:
How perfect is this for meeting the girls out for drinks or walking down to brunch on a lazy Sunday? What I love about this mini-bag is its versatility. Aside from bopping around on the weekend, I would totally wear it “out.”
First, black is always chic. I know…. I love the word “chic.” Second, this bag has just enough added detail to give it a level of refinement and sophistication…. without being stuffy! So Key!
NOTE: The gold hardware feet on the bottom (usually the mark of higher-ends bags), gold hardware accents connecting the handles to the face of the bag and finally the tasteful, subtle gold-foiled Kate Spade logo.
THE DEETS:
If you plan on taking your phone (ummmm…..?) measure it first and note that this bag is 7″ long and 6 1/4″ tall. It does fit my iPhone 8 which measures 6.5″ with the case. Comes with a removable, adjustable cross-body strap, gold hardware feet, interior pockets and credit card slots!
Tory Burch Belt Bag
$198
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:
Belt-Bags have been “back” for a number of years now, and why not? Totally updated and modernized from…..ummm…..the dreaded Fanny Packs that you’d see all over Disneyland. ‘Nuff said. Wear it as you would a belt, or my favorite – around your natural waist, slightly off-center. It’s a cooler, more modern look but do what suits you best.
This belt-bag is just simple and clean! Made of a nylon-type material and leather trim it’s perfect for hands-free chic-style and is a MUST to throw in your vacation carry-on. You’ll love having this as an option for sight-seeing or when you just want to travel light!
THE DEETS:
Zippered exterior pocket, adjustable belt strap, quilted lining.
Ladies Who (sometimes) Lunch Bags
Woven Shoulder Bag
$145
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:
This looks alarmingly close to an extremely ‘spensive (as my southern dad would say) ICONIC designer bag that starts with a “C.” Yup, that one. For the price, this bag is so elegant and luxurious looking! Wear it dressed up for date-night, or for sure with jeans and a t-shirt. There’s nothing cooler than pairing jeans and a T with a high-end looking bag. It’s unexpected in a good way 😉
THE DEETS:
Wicker panels and crochet (great detail!) magnetic flap closure, zip interior pocket, lined, gold-tone chain strap for that elevated look!
Rebecca Minkoff Chevron Cross-Body
$195
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:
A VERY similar look to Chanel’s “Boy Chevron” bag, which will put you out in excess of $5k. Yikes! This Rebecca Minkoff Cross-Body bag is super adorbs and quite well done! I especially like the size – small and sleek but large enough for the essentials!
Love the quilting, chevron effect and the contrasting leather inlay down the center. Beautiful details! Wear the bag with just about anything….. dress it up, dress it down – it’ll elevate anything you wear 😉
THE DEETS:
Detailed with a quilted top flap. Slim back pocket. Polished turn lock in front. Lined interior with 4 card slots. Chain shoulder strap.
You can’t go wrong!
You really can’t go wrong with any of these bags! Black is always so classic and timeless that you’re not wasting money on some weird trend that you’ll regret.
Like the time I almost talked myself into buying a GREEN patent leather, leopard-print Jimmy Choo bag…… Insisting that “it was practical.” Fortunately I was with a good friend who turned to me slowly in disbelief, looked me in the eye and said….. “You’re officially a Moron.” lol. I put the bag back. ;-).
